Brain-Eating Amoeba in Kerala: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, and Ways to Reduce Your Risk
Learn about the risks posed by the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri in Kerala and how to safeguard against infection effectively.
Brain-Eating Amoeba in Kerala: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, and Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Naegleria fowleri Infection
Another waterborne disease that has raised concern due to its detection in Kerala is the brain-eating amoeba, scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri. This is a relatively minor and very dangerous type of amoeba that is usually found in warm freshwater, and can be a very dangerous threat to man if the necessary precautions are not taken.
Causes: Naegleria fowleri is also known to inhabit thermally endemic water sources such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. It can also be seen in swimming pools which are not well maintained, as well as water heaters. The primary mode of infectivity is the direct penetration of the human body via inhalation of the amoebae when people swim or dive in water contaminated with the parasite. Once inside, it moves to the brain where it brings about a disease that is incredibly uncommon and almost always lethal – primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
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Signs and Symptoms: Naegleria fowleri encephalitis, the symptoms manifest within a period of one to nine days from the time of contact with the organism. The symptoms are severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, which should indicate that it is time to seek medical attention. The disease develops with additional symptoms such as neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance and possible seizures and hallucinations. If the infection is not attended to further it can cause severe condition like coma and death within very short period of time.
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Risk Control Methods:
• Avoid Warm Freshwater: Avoid using the body in warm freshwater if possible, especially when the weather is hot especially summer seasons.
• Use Nose Clips: If there is the need to swim or dive in freshwater one should ensure that he or she uses a nose clip so that no water gets into the nasal cavity.
• Keep Water Clean: Aim at cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools and deep-sensed jacuzzis.
• Boil Water: Always use boiled or distilled water for any activity related to water including for use in nasal rinsing or neti pots.
• Be Aware: Be up-to-date on the advice and alerts regarding water conditions that exist within your region.
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Conclusion: Naegleria fowleri is a very rare waterborne infection that can kill very fast, but awareness and preventive measures can greatly minimize chances of contracting the disease. As this dangerous amoeba says, precautions can be taken to protect oneself, friends and relatives from it.
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